Duty Manager

About the Position

Cow & Sow (Birmingham) is seeking a responsible, motivated, and customer-focused Duty Manager to help oversee daily restaurant operations and maintain a high standard of service. The successful candidate will support the restaurant management team, supervise staff during shifts, coordinate front-of-house and kitchen activities, and ensure that guests receive a welcoming and enjoyable dining experience.

The Duty Manager will play an important role in keeping the restaurant organised, supporting team performance, managing customer concerns, and ensuring that operational procedures are followed. This position is suitable for someone with hospitality experience, strong leadership skills, and the ability to make effective decisions in a busy restaurant environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily restaurant operations and ensure shifts run smoothly.
• Supervise front-of-house employees and coordinate with kitchen staff.
• Allocate duties, organise shift activities, and monitor staff performance.
• Ensure customers receive friendly, professional, and efficient service.
• Welcome guests and assist with enquiries, bookings, and special requests.
• Handle customer complaints and resolve service issues professionally.
• Monitor service quality, food presentation, and overall guest satisfaction.
• Support staff training, coaching, and onboarding where required.
• Help prepare staff schedules and manage shift handovers.
• Monitor stock levels and report shortages of food, beverages, and supplies.
• Assist with ordering, deliveries, stock rotation, and inventory checks.
• Ensure the restaurant dining area, service stations, and facilities remain clean and organised.
• Follow food safety, hygiene, health and safety, and workplace procedures.
• Support cash handling, payment processing, till reconciliation, and end-of-shift reporting.
• Help monitor sales, operational costs, wastage, and other performance measures.
• Coordinate with management to address operational challenges and improve service.
• Ensure employees follow company policies and maintain professional conduct.
• Assist with opening and closing procedures and secure the premises when assigned.
• Respond calmly to unexpected situations and make appropriate operational decisions.
• Contribute to a positive working environment and encourage teamwork across departments.

Qualifications & Skills

• Previous experience in restaurant, hospitality, or food service operations.
• Previous supervisory or shift-management experience is desirable.
• Strong leadership and team coordination abilities.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a busy restaurant.
• Good problem-solving, decision-making, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Understanding of food safety, hygiene, and health and safety practices.
• Basic knowledge of stock control, ordering, and inventory management.
• Confidence handling payments, cash procedures, and routine reports.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to motivate staff and provide constructive feedback.
• Professional attitude and a commitment to guest satisfaction.
• Flexible approach to working shifts, including evenings, weekends, and public holidays when required.
• Ability to work independently while supporting the wider management team.
• Relevant hospitality training or food hygiene certification is an advantage.

What the Role Offers

• An opportunity to develop leadership skills in the hospitality industry.
• Experience overseeing restaurant operations and staff performance.
• Opportunities for professional development and further management responsibilities.
• A collaborative environment focused on teamwork and customer satisfaction.
• Practical experience in service standards, stock management, and shift coordination.
• Potential training opportunities, depending on the employer's arrangements.
• Pay and benefits in accordance with the employer's terms, the responsibilities of the role, and the candidate's experience.

How to Apply

Candidates interested in the Duty Manager position should submit an up-to-date CV highlighting their relevant restaurant or hospitality experience, supervisory responsibilities, and customer service skills. Applicants should also describe their availability and explain how their experience would help them contribute to effective restaurant operations and a positive guest experience.

Only candidates who meet the employer's requirements and are eligible to work in the United Kingdom should apply.

Pay: £25,420.00-£43,320.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company car
• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee stock ownership plan
• Employee stock purchase plan
• Enhanced paternity leave
• Financial planning services
• Flexitime
• Free flu jabs
• Gym membership
• Health & wellbeing programme
• Housing allowance
• Language training provided
• Life insurance
• Matching gift scheme
• On-site gym
• Paid volunteer time
• Profit sharing
• Relocation assistance
• Shuttle service provided
• Store discount
• Transport links
• Unlimited paid holidays
• Work from home

Work Location: In person